February 22nd - Sealion Experience on a Sunny February day

The sun was shining as we set off on our latest Sealion Experience. These 1.5 hour adventures typically visit at least two different species of pinnipeds (Harbour Seals and California Sealions), but today we were also able to spot a couple Steller Sealions as well!

For today’s tour we started by heading to Entrance Island. This spot is usually home to lots of Sealions but today it was vacant. Not to worry though - we left Entrance’s shoreline and crossed over towards Gabriola Island. There, we stopped at a small islet that was covered in Harbour Seals. While some were splashing around in the shallows, a lot of them were perched up on the rocks enjoying the sunshine. From there we headed on out towards Snake Island - a small uninhabited island just Northeast of Nanaimo’s harbour. This Island is home to Seals, Sealions, and many different bird species. We frequently find Eagles and Gulls perched up on its rocky cliffs, gazing down at the waters below.

After checking out Snake Island we continued South towards Harmac. There were a bunch of chatty Sealions perched up on the logbooms when we got there. The tugboats were also hard at work while we visited, busily pushing the logs around.

All photos from this trip were taken by Marine Naturalist Rebecca Stirling.

Of all the creatures we see on our tours, are Sealions always seem to pose as dramatically as possible.

Doing his best Upward-Facing Dog yoga pose.

Sealion with brand - these marks are used by scientists to track movements of individual creatures. They are easy to spot from far away, leading to opportunities to observe them from a distance without disrupting their natural behaviors.

Jilann LechnerFebruary 28, 2022Comment